Biological Safety
Contact: Curt Speaker, speaker@ehs.psu.edu814-865-6391

The goal of the Biological Safety Program is to ensure the safe and proper use of biohazardous materials, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. This is done by providing training on the proper use of such materials, ensuring that proper personal protective equipment (PPE), safety devices and work practices are used, and that work with biohazards is done in appropriately equipped laboratories. This program also ensures the proper disposal of biological waste materials generated from research and teaching.

Services Offered

• Training
• Infectious Waste Disposal
• Management of University's Bloodborne Pathogen Program
• Laboratory Inspections for Biological Safety and rDNA use
• Evaluation of Biological Contamination
• Oversight of West Nile Prevention Program
• Autoclave Safety Training
• Fungal Analysis
• Infectious Agent Protocols

Program Support Information

• Alternatives to Formalin  
• An Overview of Mold
• IBC Authorization to Use Biohazardous Material
• Infectious Waste Disposal Policy (SY29)
• Information on Controlled Substances
• MRSA, What You Should Know
• Pest Control - Procedures to follow if pests are found in University facilities
• Pollution Prevention Initiatives
• PSU Bloodborne Pathogen Program
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan  
• Bloodborne Pathogens FAQ  
• Revised Mail Handling Procedures
• Use of Biohazardous Materials in Research and Instruction Policy (SY24)
• Biohazardous Materials Applications and Forms
• Office for Research Protections
• Water Incursion Procedures  
• West Nile Virus Control - PSU Pesticide Education
• Sharps Handling and Disposal  

More Information

• Infectious Substances Material Safety Data Sheets provided by Health Canada Online
• NIH Recombinant DNA Guidelines  
• "Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories"
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29CFR1910.1030)